Veterans Day, celebrated nationally on November 11, originated as Armistice Day in 1926, commemorating the date in 1918 when World War I effectively ended. In 1954, President Eisenhower declared that in order to honor veterans who had served in subsequent wars as well as those who served in World War I, the holiday would be known as Veterans Day.

Lansing's first Veterans Day parade was held on November 11, 1954, with an estimated 30,000 spectators lining the streets. The annual tradition continued until around 2005. Since then, various events are held at schools, churches, libraries and cemeteries in Lansing.

Parades are still held annually in neighboring communities including Mason and St. Johns.

This float by VFW Post 3730 in the 1954 Lansing Veterans Day parade took second prize. Formerly known as Armistice Day in observation of the effective end of World War I, the holiday's name and purpose was updated in 1954 to honor veterans who served in subsequent wars. Lansing State Journal File Photo